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| Release Date: | August 15, 1986 (US), February 24, 1989 (UK) |
| Runtime: | 119 min |
| Rated: | R |
| Genres: | Crime, Drama, Horror, Thriller |
| Directed by: | Michael Mann |
| Written by: | Michael Mann, Thomas Harris |
| Starring: | William Petersen, Kim Greist, Joan Allen, Brian Cox |
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 Two years ago, I had no idea who Michael Mann or William Petersen were. I have my darling girlfriend to thank for enlightening me, by getting me to watch Manhunter (and many episodes of "CSI"). Up until this point I was not a fan of thrillers or serious crime dramas, but Mr. Mann has opened my eyes to a wonderful world of cinematography and a morbid curiosity I never knew I had in me.
The story follows the actions of a crime specialist (Petersen) who is called out of early retirement to help catch a serial killer who murders families. The reasons as to why he is in early retirement become apparent as we discover his methods for apprehending killers involve getting inside their minds, and it turns out that psychological scarring comes from dealing with Dr. Hannibal Lecktor (Cox).
I knew I was in for a treat just from soaking up the establishing shot of Graham and Crawford discussing the possibility of working together again on a log on a hot, bright sandy beach. This is an example of the truly beautiful shots Mann can conjure and it is also worth appreciating the choice of locations. The house on the beach with the sea glimmering constantly, the park where they try to ambush the "Tooth Fairy" and Lecktor's cell. And let me tell you about Lecktor's cell...
I had seen the scene from Silence of the Lambs where Clarice Starling visits Lecktor in the dungeon style prison, and I understood it's value and place in cinematic history. Then seeing a young Brian Cox playing the doctor incarcerated in a shiny white Sarah Connor-style institute in Manhunter made me question the director's motives. Lecktor's presence in Manhunter and Silence of the Lambs is as a source of advice. He is well educated, vastly intelligent, and a murderer himself. These characteristics were vital to Graham and Starling to aid the hunts for the killers.
The fact that the cell was more hospital like than a dungeon gave the feeling of criminal insanity and sickness of the mind. Brian Cox's portrayal of Lecktor made him appear much more laid back and comfortable than actually scary. His ease in this uneasy disinfected environment is a little strange, but his friendly idle banter allows you for a moment to drop your guard and think "He's not that bad". Within moments he is asking for your phone number in way that make your flesh crawl, in a way that reminds you that he's in a maximum security prison for a reason. Graham remembers exactly what this man's mind is like. Honestly, I must say that I believe that Cox is the superior Lecktor to Hopkins and if you doubt that this is possible, watch this for yourself.
In this film there is nothing but top-notch acting all round. Peterson may have been the only man that could get away with pink shorts apart from the Incredible Hulk, and from watching "CSI" (Las Vegas) we can see that the role of investigator is perfect for him. He appears very knowing and always thinking. In Manhunter the pain his character has suffered is clear, his concerns are intense, and he's not afraid to run in slow motion and jump through closed windows.
Of course having been made in 1986, the music to this film is of another generation and today is vulnerable to being seen as dated. I believe in this instance the soundtrack is still as perfect as it ever was. Iron Butterfly's "The Garden of Eden" which is played at the end shoot-out scene can still send a chill down my spine (like Reservoir Dogs' "Stuck in the Middle With You"). The music that accompanies the killer tearing the dashboard from his van as he boils with jealousy is perfect for describing the scene. Top marks for music there.
Michael Mann has impressed me beyond belief with this remarkable film. This is truly the first of "The Lecktor Trilogy", discounting the appalling "remake" Red Dragon - don't settle for less than the original masterpiece.
A beautiful, disgusting, exciting, disturbing piece of cinema. I recommend Manhunter to everyone, especially those who enjoyed Silence of the Lambs. |
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